Can Rats Catch Colds or the Flu From Humans?
What you need to know about the transmission between rats and humans.
Introduction
When cold and flu season hits, many rat owners wonder: Can my pet rat catch what I have? It’s a great question — and the answer isn’t always simple. While rats can’t get your exact cold or flu, they can become sick from certain viruses, bacteria, or stress-related immune dips that may be linked to your illness. In this post, we’ll cover what’s contagious, what’s not, and how to keep your rats safe when you're feeling under the weather.
Can Rats Catch a Human Cold or Flu Virus?
No — rats cannot catch common human colds or influenza viruses.
The viruses responsible for colds (like rhinoviruses and coronaviruses) and the flu (influenza A and B) are specific to humans and other primates. They don’t infect rats, and your rats can’t “catch” them just by being near you.
However… your immune system and behavior do affect your rats. When you’re sick, you may:
Wash your hands less frequently
Cough or sneeze in shared spaces
Delay cleaning routines
Transfer stress to your rats
These indirect effects can impact your rats’ health — especially if they are very young, elderly, or already immunocompromised.
What Illnesses Can Be Passed Between Humans and Rats?
While human colds aren’t a risk, certain illnesses can jump species. These are known as zoonotic diseases.
From rats to humans (zoonoses):
LCMV (Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus)
Leptospirosis
Rat-bite fever
Salmonella
These are rare in well-bred, well-kept pet rats — especially from ethical breeders — but are more common in wild rats or feeder-bred lines.
From humans to rats (reverse zoonoses):
There are very few documented cases of direct disease transmission from humans to rats. However, some bacterial infections — such as Streptococcus pneumoniae — might pose a risk under specific conditions. It's unlikely, but if you're severely ill or immunocompromised, it’s wise to take precautions just in case.
How to Keep Your Rats Safe When You’re Sick
Even if you’re not contagious in the traditional sense, it’s still a good idea to minimize exposure.
Here’s how to protect your rats when you’re feeling sick:
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your rats.
Avoid sneezing, coughing, or breathing directly on them.
Wear a mask if you’re very congested or coughing frequently.
Don’t skip cage cleaning — ask for help if needed, or plan for light, daily tidying to reduce ammonia buildup.
Keep the room well-ventilated.
Avoid sharing snacks or utensils. Even if it’s something rat-safe, don’t “double dip” when you're sick.
If Your Rat Is Showing Symptoms…
Rats can suffer from respiratory infections that mimic cold symptoms in humans — but the source is usually a bacterial infection, not a virus from you.
Watch for:
Sneezing
Porphyrin staining (red around nose or eyes)
Wheezing or clicking when breathing
Lethargy or loss of appetite
Labored or open-mouth breathing (emergency)
If any of these signs appear, especially if multiple symptoms are present, it’s time to call your exotic vet. Early treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline or Baytril can prevent the infection from progressing into pneumonia.